Does castor oil alleviate hemorrhoids?

From the Guidelines

Castor oil is not a recommended treatment for hemorrhoids. The American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids 1 and medical position statement 1 do not mention castor oil as a treatment option. Instead, topical agents such as witch hazel or preparations containing phenylephrine, like Preparation H, are preferred for symptomatic relief. Additionally, oral medications like stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace), 100-200 mg daily, may also be used to alleviate constipation and reduce straining during bowel movements, which can exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms. The WSES-AAST guidelines for anorectal emergencies also recommend non-operative management as first-line therapy, with dietary and lifestyle changes, and suggest the use of flavonoids to relieve symptoms 1. However, there is no evidence to support the use of castor oil in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

• Key points to consider:
  • Increase fiber and water intake to alleviate constipation and reduce straining during bowel movements
  • Use topical agents such as witch hazel or preparations containing phenylephrine for symptomatic relief
  • Consider oral medications like stool softeners to alleviate constipation
  • Flavonoids may be used to relieve symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness
• Important considerations:
  • Prolonged use of potent corticosteroid preparations should be avoided due to potential harm 1
  • Non-operative management is recommended as first-line therapy for complicated hemorrhoids 1

From the Research

Castor Oil and Hemorrhoids

• There is limited research directly linking castor oil to the alleviation of hemorrhoids.
• A study on the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly found that it decreased symptoms of constipation, such as straining during defecation and feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement 2.
• However, this study does not directly address the effect of castor oil on hemorrhoids.
• Other studies discuss various treatment options for hemorrhoids, including dietary changes, rubber band ligation, and surgery 3, 4, 5, but do not mention castor oil as a potential treatment.
• A study on medicinal plants for hemorrhoids in traditional Persian medicine reports on various herbal remedies, but does not specifically mention castor oil 6.